24 May 2012
If you are asked to evacuate your home or local area
In some very unlikely situations, you may be asked to leave your home by the emergency services. Should you need to evacuate your home or the local area, we recommend that you make alternative arrangements to stay with a relative or friend in advance
If this happens, leave as quickly and calmly as possible. And, if you have time:
- When directed by emergency services, turn off the gas, electricity and water, unplug appliances, lock doors and windows
- Take things from your home emergency pack
- If you leave by car, take bottled water and blankets, and tune in to local radio for warning and safety advice
- Leave as quickly as possible
- Allow for special needs of infants, the elderly and people with disabilities
- Consider your pets
- Wear appropriate clothing for the time of year
- Take your mobile phone & charger
- Collect family members or go to your agreed meeting place
- Use travel routes specified by the emergency services
- Stay away from fallen power lines
- If you go to an emergency support centre, register your details at the registration desk
- If you evacuate to a relative or friend’s house, consider registering with the local emergency support centre to help others find you
- Call your out-of-town contact to let them know where you are going
- Follow the instructions issued by emergency services
When you are told that it is safe to return home, open windows to provide fresh air before reconnecting gas, electricity and water supplies.
